The new Astra's design is both bold and modern and incorporates the unmistakable Vauxhall V-shape corporate nose and styling characteristics that include the elegant crease line that runs from the radiator grille into the cabin and on down the rear of the car. The Vauxhall Astra Sri 1.9 CDTi is powered by a 1.9 turbocharged diesel engine, which produces 150bhp at 4000 rpm enabling it to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds and continue to a top speed of 129 mph. The new Astra is excellent to drive around town and it is equally at home on the Motorway and dual carriageway where it cruises effortlessly. The 1.9 litre turbocharged engine offers more than adequate power through all the gears and as you would expect of Vauxhall it is quiet and refined. The new standard six-speed manual gearbox is superb, offering precise and fluid gear changes whilst sixth gear allows easy Motorway cruising and better fuel economy.The interior styling of the Vauxhall Astra SRi is modern, stylish, functional and uncluttered with chunky and tactile switchgear. The charcoal plastic interior is of a good quality and is enhanced with a metallic/carbon fibre effect trim and aluminium pedals for added sports appearance. The leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob are tactile and the speedometer, rev counter and fuel indicator are backlit and have matt chrome rings. In addition, and standard on the Sri, at the press of a button (Sport Switch), a sport mode can be selected that varies the shock absorber settings as well as sharpening steering and throttle response, increasing the driver excitement further. Air-conditioning with rear passenger compartment heating ducts is standard as is a pollen filter, which prevents dirt, dust and pollen from entering the cabin. With the new Astra Sri, Vauxhall have developed a very capable car, which exceeded our expectations and felt good to drive.
